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Nike Leaks Unofficial NFL Jersey Sketches?

UPDATE: An NFL spokesman confirmed that these mock-ups are in no way affiliated with Nike, the NFL or any of the league’s 32 teams. They are simply, as previously stated in this blog entry, rumored and unofficial.

“We plan on changing the NFL jersey dramatically just like we’ve done with the college programs, using new thinking and the greatest technology available,” said Denson. “The NFL program hasn’t had the same type of advancement in recent years.”

If these unofficial and rumored concept sketches are any indication, Denson will have delivered on his dramatic changes promise.

The collection seen below is Nike’s “Pro Combat Uniform” designs – the same series was released for college teams in 2010 – that are rumored to be used for primetime games.

Remember, neither Nike nor the NFL has confirmed these sketches are official and they have not been approved. That said, let’s take a look at the Ravens and their AFC North rivals jerseys.

Nike has the Ravens sporting a white helmet, which would eliminate any future “blackout” games if so desired by the team. What are your thoughts? Love it? Hate it? I doubt there will be many middle-of-the-road opinions.

A fan known as “JimJim” asked The Baltimore Sun’s Jamison Hensley if Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington’s knee injuries from last season are contributing to their “sub-par” play at corner thus far.

“Webb has brushed off the knee injury as a factor. But I don’t believe him,” wrote Hensley. “Typically, it takes a full year before players are fully recovered from blowing out their knee. Don’t get me wrong, Webb and Fabian Washington can still play now after recovering from their injuries. But they won’t be back to their top form until next season.”

Hensley went on to say that he thinks Josh Wilson and Chris Carr will continue to get the majority of snaps at the corner position, while Webb and Washington will rotate at nickel.

While the Ravens are ranked No. 13 in pass defense, the Steelers are much worse at No. 26 and the Browns are No. 24. The Bengals are currently the best the division, edging out the Ravens at No. 12.

Flacco Primed For Another Franchise Milestone

Quarterback Joe Flacco has already set a couple franchise records and he could notch another by throwing two touchdowns against the Panthers this weekend.

If Flacco does throw two more, he would pass Vinny Testaverde for most TD passes in team history. The third-year quarterback has 50 touchdown strikes, while Testaverde posted 51 in his two seasons with the Ravens.

As the franchise quarterback, many have wondered if Flacco’s leadership style is growing like the statistics are.

After seeing receiver Anquan Boldin fire up teammates on the sidelines last Thursday, a reporter asked Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron if it’s OK that someone other than a quarterback takes charge.

“Leadership is leadership. And Joe does it in his own way, too,” Cameron told reporters. “We’re going to watch that evolve and grow. Just like any human being would grow into a leadership role. Just watch. He’s going to continue to grow.